Forever Stamps 2016 Diwali – Festival Greeting, Holiday Celebration, First-Class Postage

On October 5, 2016, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service® issued the Diwali stamp (Forever® priced at 47 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 588800).

In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service commemorated the joyous festival of Diwali, also known as Deepavali. One of the most important annual Hindu events, the holiday celebrated the triumph of good over evil. The stamp featured a photograph of a traditional diya — a small flickering lamp made from a bowl filled with oil — and flower petals against a glimmering gold background. “Diwali” in white type was featured underneath the diya. During Diwali, diyas dotted the homes of observers around the world.

Diwali was an important festival in several religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Spanning five days each autumn, Diwali was considered by some to be the start of the new year. In 2016, Diwali was celebrated on October 29 (for South Indians) and October 30 (for North Indians). Greg Breeding designed the stamp with a photograph by Sally Andersen-Bruce. William J. Gicker served as the project’s art director.